Type casting machine



Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH TYPE CASTING mcmnz 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 2,1960 INVENTOR ART U R ROTH Ma) Q F W ATTORNEYS Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH TYPECASTING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 2, 1960 INVENTOR ARTUR ROTHMwfl/pfww I ATTORNEYS Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH 3,011,626

TYPE CASTING MACHINE Filed Nev. 2, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.5.

IOO A INVENTOR ARTUR ROTH ATTORNEYS Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH TYPE CASTINGMACHINE Filed Nov. 2 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENIOR ARTUR ROTH ATTORN Y)Dec. 5, 1961 A. ROTH 3,011,626

TYPE CASTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 5v INVENTOR ARTURROTH BY g wmffiww ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,011,626 TYPE CASTINGMACHINE Artur Roth, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor to Lanston Industries,Incorporated, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Virginia Filed Nov. 2,1960, Ser. No. 66,758 17 Claims. (Cl. 199-77) This invention relates totype casting machines.

In Patton et a1. Patent No. 2,883,038 and the pending applications ofRoth and Thomas, Serial No. 10,981 and Roth, Serial No. 11,058, a systemof type composing and casting is disclosed wherein positioning anddimensioning are divorced from or independent of one another, and amatrix case is utilized preferably having eighteen rows and eighteencolumns of matrices wherein the matrices are arranged in these rows andcolumns in the most etficient manner, and not according to the width orunit size of the characters represented thereby. The patent referred todiscloses a type casting machine designed in such manner that the matrixcase is positionable over the mold cavity by means independent of themeans for adjusting the mold blade to determine the width or set size ofthe type body to be cast. In the Roth and Thomas application, referredto, there is disclosed a type composing machine including a keyboard andadapted to produce a perforated control tape for use in the castingmachine to control the operation thereof. The Roth application, referredto, relates to arrangements of matrices in the matrix case.

The principal object of the present invention is to pro videimprovements to type casting machines of the char-' acter disclosed inthe Patton et al. patent. These improve ments are designed primarily tosimplify the construction and operation of the machine, increase itsspeed and efiiciency, and reduce manufacturing costs.

In the Patton et al. patent, the positioning movements of the matrixcase are controlled by two pin blocks, arranged at right angles to eachother. One of these pin blocks controls the movement of the matrix casein one direction, while the other pin block controls the movement of thematrix case in a direction perpendicular thereto. Each pin block isshown as including eighteen pins, seventeen of these being movable, andone being fixed. These individual pins of the two pin blocks are adaptedto be engaged by a movable pin jaw so as to define eighteen differentstop positions in each pin block to represent the eighteen individualrows and columns in the 18 x 18 matrix case. A set wedge pin block isalso provided for controlling the positioning of the mold blade. Thispin block is shown as including seventeen pins, sixteen of them beingmovable and one being fixed. These pins provide seven-teen difierentstop positions for a movable piston whereby the mold blade is adjustablefor seventeen different units of width.

Three decoding valves are also provided in the machine disclosed in thePatton et al. patent, one for the front pin block, one for the rear pinblock, and one for the set wedge pin block whereby only nine difierentsignals may be utilized for each of these blocks to individually actuatethe movable pins in each block. According to the invention, novel meansare provided in the three pin blocks referred to whereby the same numberof signals (cg. nine) may be used for each pin block without requiringthe use of decoding valves. In the illustrative embodiment of theinvention, to be described in more detail hereinafter, each of the'threepin blocks is only provided with nine control pins, eight of these beingmovable and one being fixed. Additionally, each of the pin blocks isprovided with a shifting mechanism designed to be actuated only when apredetermined signal is received. The shifting mechanism for each pinblock is so con- 3,011,626 Patented Dec. 5, 1961 structed and arrangedas to enable each of the nine pins in each pin block to define twodifferent stop or control positions.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be in part obviousand in part pointed out hereinafter.

The novel features of the invention may be best made clear from thefollowing description and accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic plan view of the top of a type casting machineembodying the invention and with some structures omitted for the sake ofclarity and convenience of illustration;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the front pin block takengenerally along line 22 of FIGURE 1, and on an enlarged scale;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged plan view of the front pin block shown in FIGURE2 and with certain structures omitted for the sake of clarity andconvenience of illustration;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an exem plary constructionfor the shifting mechanism for the front pin block shown in FIGURES 2and 3;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged plan view of an exemplary construction for theset wedge pin block;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational View, partially in section, of the setwedge pin block of FIGURE 5 and showing fragmentarily structure designedfor actuating the piston in this pin block;

FIGURE 7 is an end elevational view of the set wedge 7 pin block shownin FIGURE 5, and taken looking in a left-to-right direction in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 8 is a vertical sectional view taken generally along the line 8-8of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective view of a portion ofthe shifting mechanism of the set wedge pin block shown in FIGURES 5-8;

FIGURE 10 is a schematic view of an exemplary piping diagram connectingthe three pin blocks to the air tower.

Referring to FIGURE 1, the numeral 20 designates the main stand or baseplate of a type casting machine 22. Shown as being carried by the baseplate are the front pin block 24, the rear pin block 26, and the setwedge pin block 28. It will be understood that numerous structures andmechanisms normally positioned above the base plate 20 have been omittedfrom FIGURE 1 for the sake of clarity and convenience of illustration.For purpose of this description, the casting machine 22 may beconsidered to be identical or substantially identical'to the machinedisclosed in and contemplated by the Patton et a1. patent, referred toabove, except for the omission of the decoding valves, and the changesin the construction of the pin blocks 24, 25, 28, and in the pipingdiagram shown in FIGURE 10 for connecting the air tower 31 to themovable pins in the pin blocks. Hence, the complete disclosure of thatpatent is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The front 24 and rear 26 pin blocks may be identical or substantiallyidentical in construction, as will be understood. Hence, the samereference numerals will be used to designate the same or correspondingparts thereof, and only the front pin block 24 has been shown in detail,it being understood that the rear pin block 26 may be similarlyconstructed.

Each of the pin blocks 24, 26 includes a pair of pin jaws 39, 32, andnine pins 34 are arranged in three parallel rows and three inclinedfiles between the jaws 39, 32 when the latter are in their fully openposition. These pins 34 are arranged so that each pin is transverselyspaced from the others so as to define nine transversely spaced points.The pins 34 operate through the movable jaws 30, 32 to limit themovement of the pin jaw tongs (not shown) which arein turn operativelyosition.

same in a retracted position.

connected to the matrix case (not shown) whereby the front pin block 24will control the movements of the matrix case in one rectilineardirection, while the rear pin block 26 controls the movements of thematrix case in a direction perpendicular thereto, as is understood.

Referring to FIGURES 2, 3, and 4, the front pin block 24 is shown asincluding a horizontal guide rod 36 on which the jaws 30, 32 areslidably mounted. The jaw is shown as including a leading edge 38 havingthree semicircular recesses 40 therein arranged so as to be in alignmentwith the three rows of pins 34, as indicated. The movable pins 34 alsoidentified by the letters a, b, c, a, e, g, h are vertically movable,while the ninth pin is arranged in a fixed, stationary raised positionwherein it normally projects above the top plate 42 of the pin block toa level approxirnately at the height of the leading edge 38 of the jaw30. This fixed pin 34, as best seen in FIGURE 2, is shown as beingfarther to the left than the other pins 34 and arranged in a bore 44 inthe body of the pin block with a compression spring 46 normallyretaining the pin in its projected Spring 46 abuts against the bottom ofthe fixed 'pin 34 and the bottom plate 48 of the pin block, and ashoulder 50 on this pin abuts against the top plate 42.

The movable pins 34 are also shown arranged in bores 44 in the body ofthe pin block 24, and compression springs 46 are provided in thesebores, encircling the upper stem of the pins 34 and normally retainingthe The springs 46 for the movable pins 34 are shown as abutting at oneend against the top plate 42, and at the other end against a radialshoulder 50 on the pins, while the bottom cover plate 48 stops themovement of these pins under the action of their springs. 7

The bottom plate 48 is shown as being provided with a plurality of holes52, one of these holes communicating with each of the bores 44 for themovable pins, and suitable fluid lines (not shown) will be associatedwith each ofthese holes 52 to provide for the selective delivery 7 offluid vunder pressure to urge against the bottoms of each of the pins 34and move them upwardly until an annular shoulder 55 thereon abutsagainst the top cover plate 42 whereby the pins will then be in positionto be struck by the leading edge 38 of the pin jaw 30. The delivery offluid under pressure through holes 52 to actuate the pins 34 will beregulated by a perforated control tape during operation of the machine,to provide for the actuation of the proper pin for positioning thematrix case, as will be understood. If all of the movable pins 34 are intheir retracted positions, the pin jaw 30 will move to the leftuntil itstrikes the fixed or stationary raised .pin 34. After the movement ofthe pin jaw 30 has been arrested by contact with one of the' pins 34,the other pin jaw 32 will be moved toward the jaw 30 until it, strikessame, and this will determine the location of the matrix case to thedesired point in one direction. A similar operation in the rear pin jaw26 will determine the location of the matrix case in a directionperpendicular to this first direction, whereby the matrix in the desiredrow and column in the matrix case will be positioned over the moldcavity for the casting of a body V i According "to the invention, ashifting mechanism is provided in each of the pin blocks 24, 26,as'referred to above. This shifting mechanism is shown in FIG- URES 2, 3and 4- as including a shift plate 54 slidably mounted on the top coverplate 42 of the pin block.

Tracks or ways 56 are provided in the pin block for receiving the sidesof the shift plate 54 to guide the reciprocating movements thereof. Theshift plate- 54 normallyis in-a position between the pinsv 34 and theleading edge "38 of the .pin jaw'fitl when the latter is in its fullyopen position, as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3.

'ton et a1. patent.

Patton et al. patent.

The leading edge 58 of the shift plate 54 is shown as including threesemicircular recesses 60, corresponding in position and size to therecesses 40 in the leading edge 38 of the pin jaw 30, while the rearedge 62 of the shift plate is formed with three semicircularprotuberances 64 of a size and in position to mate with the recesses 49in the pin jaw leading edge 38. c

A base member 66 is attached to the shift plate 54 and extendsrearwardly therefrom to a point in back of the pin jaw 30. The rearportion of this base member 66 is shown as being bent forwardly and thenterminating in a free upper end 68 engaging the rear end of the pin jaw30. V a

The shift plate 54 normally is disposed below the bottom of the pin jaw'30 whereby that jaw is movable thereover for engagement against one ofthe pins 34. However, means are provided for elevating the shift plate54 to the position wherein the rear edge 62 thereof will be disposedapproximately at the same level as the leading edge 38 of the pin jaw 30so that movements of the pin jaw to the left will cause the shift plate54 also to he moved to the left until the shift plate leading edge 58thereof encounters one of the pins 34. This means is shown in FIGURE 2as including a movable pin 70 similar to the pins 34, and similarlyarranged in the pin block below the base member 66 of the shiftingmechanism. A compression spring 72 encircles this pin and V normallyurges it against the bottom plate 48, and a fluid determineeighteen'diiferent stop positions for the pin jaw 30, nine when theshift plate 54 is in its normal unelevated position, and nine more whenthe shift'plate 54 is elevated.

In the event that the shift plate 54 had been elevated and moved to theleft by pin jaw 30 for positioning movement of the matrix case, theengagement of the rear end of the pin jaw 30 with the free rear end 68of the base member 66 of the shifting mechanism will provide for returnmovement of the shift plate 54 when the pin jaw 30 is returned to itsfully open position, as will be evident. A suitable stationary stop 76is arranged onthe pin block, to the right of this free end 68, and inalignment therewith, as indicated in FIGURES 2 and 3.

As previously stated, the rear pin'block 26 may be identical orsubstantially identical to the front pin block 24 whereby the nine pins34 thereof will define eighteen different stop positions for the pin jaw30, as in the case of the front pin block 24."

s The set wedge pin block 28, as best seen in FIGURES 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9,includes a piston member 78 slidable in a complementarily-shaped chamber80, as in the Pat- The piston 78 includes an upstanding projection orlug ;82 thereon, adjacent the rear end thereof, and a shoe having adepending boss 138 is adapted to move the piston 78 to the right, asviewed in FIGURE 6, at periodic intervals during the operation of themachine, in the same manner as that discussed in the The position 'ofthe mold blade will be determined by the amount of movement to the rightof the shoe 130, as permitted by the piston 78, as will be understood.

The movement to the right .of the piston78 will be arrested by "any oneof a plurality of movable pins 84 or a fixed raised pin 86. These pins84 and 86 are arranged in three rows and three inclined or diagonalfiles s the illustrative embodiment, and each of these pins is shown asbeing defined by a tubular member having a closed upper end and an openlower end, as best seen in FIGURE 6. These pins are slidably mounted inbores 88 in the block 28, and holes 90 are provided in the bottom coverplate 92 for the block 28, respectively communicating with the openlower ends of each of the pins 84, as indicated. Fluid lines (not shown)will be connected to these holes 90 for delivery of pressurized fluidtherethrough to selectively and individually raise the pins 84. The pins84, when so raised by fluid pressure, will pass through the chamber 80and into aligned holes 94 thereabove. A top plate 96 covers these holes94, and a plurality of chambers 174 having an arcuate upper surface areprovided in this plate 96, there being one of these chambers for each ofthe four rows of pins, in the manner disclosed in the Patton et al.patent. Each of these chambers spans all of the holes 94 in the rowassociated therewith and, as best seen in FIGURE 6, one of thesechambers extends from the fixed pin 86 over the two holes 94 in the samerow therewith. The purpose of these chambers 174 is to provide for theflow of pressurized fluid above the tops of the pins 84 for returningthem to their retracted or lowermost position, during restoringoperations, as described in the Patton et al patent.

The fixed tubular pin 86 is shown as extending between the top plate 96and the bottom plate 92, and includes apertures 98 disposed in thechamber 80. The upper end of the pin 86 opens into the chamber 174associated therewith, while the lower end of this pin communi catesthrough a hole 100 in the bottom plate 92 with a fluid line (not shown)for the flow of fluid under pressure through the pin and into thechambers 80, 174 during restoring operations.

The leading edge 102 of the piston 78 is shown in FIGURE as being formedwith four semicircular recesses 104 corresponding to each of the fourrows of pins 84, 86. Thus, movement of the piston 78 to the right, asviewed in FIGURES 5 and 6, when engaged by the shoe 130, will bearrested by the engagement of one of the recesses 104 with one of thepins 84 or the pin 86, as will be appreciated.

In accordance with the invention, a novel shifting mechanism is providedwhereby the eight pins 84 and the fixed, raised pin 86 may eachdetermine two different stop positions for the piston 78. This mechanismis shown as including a shift tongue 106 pivotally mounted on astationary rod 108 carried by a bracket 118 attached to the left handend of the block 28, as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6. The tongue 106 is ofgenerally bell crank configuration including a projecting lug 112 at itsupper end, and an elongated extension 114 at its lower end and extendingparallel to the axis of the rod 108. A torsional spring 116 is shown asencircling the rod 108, having one of its ends fixed to the tongue 106,and the other end to rotate in a clockwise direction about the axis ofthe rod 108, as viewed in FIGURE 7. This tongue 106 will normally be inthe solid line position thereof shown in FIGURE 7 whereby the upperprojection 112 thereof will not be in the path of movement of the boss138 of the shoe 130 toward the lug 82 on the set wedge piston 78.

Means are provided for actuating the shift tongue 106 to rotate it in acounterclockwise direction about the ads of rod 108, as viewed in FIGURE7, whereby the projection 112 will be disposed between the boss 138 ofthe shoe 130, and the lug 82 of the set wedge piston 78. This means isshown as including a pin 118 reciprocably mounted in block 28 underneathand in engagement with the lower surface of the extension 114 on thetongue 166. This pin 118 will normally be in the position thereof shownin FIGURE 6 and a fluid passageway 120, 122 is formed in the block 28communicating with the hollow interior of the lower end of the pin 118and also with a vertical bore 124 in the block 28 at the other endthereof. This bore 124 communicates through a hole 126 in the bottomplate 92 with a suitable fluid line (not shown) for the introduction offluid under pressure through the bore 124 and passageways 120, 122 toraise the pin 118 and eflect rotation of the tongue 106 in acounterclockwise direction about the axis of the rod 108 (as viewed inFIG- URE 7) at desired times. A shoulder 128 is shown as being formed onthis pin 118 for engagement to the top wall 131 of the borein which thelower portion of the pin reciprocates, as shown in FIGURE 6. This willprovide an upper limit position to the actuation of the pin 118, as willbe evident.

The shifting mechanism includes a latch arrangement to provide that theshift tongue 106 will not be actuated unless the piston 78 is all theway to the left, as viewed in FIGURE 6, that is, in its fully restoredposition. This latching arrangement is shown as including a lockingmember 132 rotatably mounted on the rod 108 between the tongue 106 andthe bracket 110. This locking member includes a cut-out portion 134through which the extension 114 of tongue 106 projects, and a projectingarm 136 on the locking member 132 is shown as mounting a disc-likemember 139 in engagement with the upper surface of the shift tongueextension 114. Thus, the extension 114 is engaged on its top and bottomsides by the disc 139 and the lower surface of the cutout portion 134,respectively, as best seen in FIGURE 9.

A latch 140 is arranged in the bracket 11!) and is pivotally mounted atits lower end thereof, as by means of a pin 142. This latch 140 is shownas being urged by a spring 144 to pivot in a clockwise direction, asviewed in FIGURE 6, so that the tooth 146 thereof will be positioned toengage in a recess 148 in the locking member 132, when the piston 78 isnot in its fully restored position, that is, in the extreme left handposition thereof, as viewed in FIGURE 6. The latch 140 is shown asincluding a protuberance 150 adapted to be disposed in the left hand endof the chamber 80, as viewed in FIGURE 6, for engagement by the lefthand end of the set wedge piston 78 while the latter is being restoredor moved to the left. Thus, when the piston 78 reaches its furlyrestored position to the extreme left, as viewed in FIGURE 6, the lefthand surface 152 thereof will have engaged the protuberance 150 on thelatch 140 and pivoted the latch in a counterclockwise direction, asviewed in FIGURE 6, against the action of the spring 144 and until thetooth 146 thereof has been removed from the recess 148 in the lockingmember 132. At this time, the tongue 106 will be released so that it maybe rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 7, inthe event pressurized fluid acts on the pin 118 to raise it.

When the shift tongue 106 is in its actuated position so as to disposethe projection 112 thereon in position to be struck by the boss 138 onthe shoe 130, the piston 78 will begin to move to the right at anearlier time than if the shift tongue 106 had not been actuated, as willbe evident. As the shoe continues to move to the right, the extension114 on the shift tongue 106 will remain in contact with the raised pin118 and the leading edge 102 of the piston 78 will be moved intoengagement either with the fixed pin 86 or one of the movable pins 84 inthe event of actuation of one of those latter pins. During thismovement, the shift tongue 106 will slide to the right along the rod108, as viewed in FIGURES 5 and 6, to compress the spring 116. Thus,during a restoring operation, the compressed spring 116 will urge thetongue 106 to the left to return to its original position, and it willalso rotate the tongue 106 (clockwise as viewed in FIGURE 7) back to itsnormal, unactuated position, as air pressure is relieved or vented fromthe passageways 120, 122 and bore 124. Air pressure will also beintroduced into the chamber 80 through the fixed pin 86 and apertures 98therein to return or restore the piston '78 to the left until it engagesthe protuberance 150 on the latch and releases same from the recess 148in the locking member 132, at stated above. i

' cannot be actuated until after the piston 78 has been fully restoredto the left, as viewed in FIGURE 6. Thus, if the stretcher valve 74,shown in FIGURE 10, operates to 7 send pressurized fluid to the pin 118before the piston 78 has been fully restored to the left, the shit'ttongue 1&6 will be prevented from being actuated.

I An exemplary piping diagram is shown in FIGURE 19. This diagram merelyshows exemplary connections between air tower 31 and the front pin block2 rear pin block "26, set wedge pin block 28 and stretcher valve 74.

. The stretcher valve 74 may be of the same construction asthc stretchervalve disclosed in the Patton et al. patent, referred to above, andincluding an inlet line 154 extending from a constant air interruptionvalve (not shown) to the manifold 156 of the stretcher valve. Thisconstant air interruption valve may be of: the same construction asvalve 60 of the Patton et al patentto provide for the introduction ofpressurized fluid, such as air, into the manifold 156 at periodic orcyclic intervals. Lines 158 extend from signal linesindentified by thenumbers 1 through 9 in the airtower 31 to the upper openings I inthestretcher valve. Lines 16!) extend from the openings 326 in thestretcher valve to the movable pins 34 andthe pin 118 in the set wedgepin block 28. The mov ablepins 8d'have' been also identified by thenumerals 1 through 8, to correspond to the signal lines identified bythe numerals 1 through 8 in the air tower 31, while the actuating pin11% has also been identified by the numeral 9, to correspond to thesignal line 9 in the air tower communicating therewith. I I

I, A line 162 is shown as extending from the hole 10% for the fixed pin76 in the set wedge pin block 23 for delivering pressurized fluidthereto during restoring. This line will communicate with a restoringvalve (not shown) such as the restoring valve 53 disclosed in the Pattonet al. patent, as will be understood I I I I The eight movable pins- 34in the rear pin block 26 have also been identified inFiGU RE 10 by theletters A through H, while the shift actuating pin 7ii' h as beenidentified by the letter i. Lines 164- are shown as extending fromtheseipins to signal lines in the airtower 31, correspondingly andrespectively identified by the letters .A through 1; Likewise, themovable pins 34 and the shift actuator pin 70 in the front pin block 24have also been identified in FIGURE Why the letters 4 through i andlines 166 are shown as connecting these pins tosignal lines identifiedas a through z respectively in the air tower. I Thus, it will beappreciated that the various movable pins in thethree blocks 24, 26, 23will receive pressurized air for actuation thereof from thecorrespondingsignal lines in the air tower 31, in accordance withpredetermined perforations in the control tape, and the pressurized tiuid for the movable pins in the set wedge pin block 28 will passthrough the stretcher valve 74 in the same maner as that disclosed inthe Patton et al. patent, referred to above. I II I I I The presentinvention will thus be seen completely and efiectively accomplish theobjects enumerated hereinabove. It will be realized, however, thatvarious changes and substitutions may be made to the specificembodiments disclosed herein for the purpose of illustrating theprinciples of this invention, without departing from these principles.Thereforethis invention includes all modifications encompassed withinthe spirit and scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is: I I I I l. '-ln a casting machine of the characterdescribed, means for positioning a matrix case including: a plurality ofgauging pin-like members selectively operable by sig- 8 nals to be movedfrom an uiiactuated tonn actuated p sttion; a reciprocable elementperiodically moved toward said gauging members; and means shiftable'in'to an d out of operative engagement with said movable element wherebyeach of said gauging members, when actuated, defines two different stoppositions forthe movements or said element toward said members.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein said reciprocahle elementincludes a leading edge positioned to strike the gauging members whenthe latter are actuated and the shiftable means is out of engagementwith said element, and further wherein said shiftable meansincludes aleading edge positioned to strike the gauging members when the latterare actuated and the shiftable means is in engagement with said element,I

3. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein said shittable means isnormally disposed out of engagement with said element, and furtherwherein means are provided for actuating said shiftable means intoengagement with said element in response to a predetermined signal.

4. In a casting machine of the character described, means forcontrolling the width of a mold cavity including: a plurality of gaugingpin-like members selectively operable by signals to be moved from anunactuated to an actuated position; a reciprocable element periodicallymoved toward said gauging members; and means shiftable into and out ofoperative engagement with said theyable element whereby each ofsaidgauging members, when actuated, defines two different stoppositions forthe movementsof said elements toward said members.

5. The machine defined in claim 4 wherein said element includes aleading edge positioned to strike the gauging members when the latterare actuated and irrespective of whether the shiftable means is iii orout of operative engagement with said element. 7 V I 6. The machinedefined in claim 5 wherein driving means are provided for moving saidelement toward said gauging members, said last-named means includingstructure positioned to be drivingly engaged to said element when saidshiftable means is out of operative engagement with said element, andsaid structure being drivingly engaged to said shiftable means when suchmeans is in operative engagement with said element. I

7. The machine .as defined in claim 6 wherein said driving means andsaid shiftable means are disposed adjacent the rear or trailing edge ofsaid element.

8. The machine as defined in claim 7 wherein said.

shiftable means is normally disposed out of operative engagement withsaid element, and means are provided for actuating said shiftable meansinto operative engagement with said element in response to apredetermined signal.

9. In a casting machine of the character described, first means forpositioning a matrix case; second means for controlling the width of amold cavity, said first and said second means each including: aplurality of gauging pin-like members selectively operable by signals tobe moved from an unactuated to an actuated position; a reciprocableelement'periodically moved toward said gauging members; and meansshiftable into and out of operative engagement with said movable elementwhereby each of said gauging membersywh'en actuated, defines twodifferent stop positions for the movements of said element toward saidmembers. II 7 10. The structure definedin claim 9 wherein said first andsaid second means operate independently of each other.

11. The structure" defined in claim 10 wherein each of said shiftablemeans is normally disposed out of operative engagement withiitsrespective element, and further wherein means are provided forselectively actiiating each of said shiftable means into operativeengagement with its respective element in response to predeterminedsignals. I t

- 12. In a machine of the character described, first means forpositioning a matrix case and'includiiig two pin bloclis,

second means for controlling the width of a mold cavity and includingone pin block, said pin blocks each comprising: a plurality of gaugingpin-like members selectively operable by signals to be moved from anunactuated to an actuated position; a reciprocable element periodicallymoved toward said gauging members; and means shiftable into and out ofoperative engagement with said movable element whereby each of saidgauging members, when actuated, defines two difierent stop positions forthe movements of said element toward said members.

13. The machine defined in claim 12 wherein the reciprocable element ofeach of said pin blocks of said first means includes a leading edgepositioned to strike against the gauging members when the latter areactuated and the shiftable means is out of engagement with said element,and further wherein the shiitable means or" each of said pin blocks ofsaid first means includes a leading edge positioned to strike thegauging members when the latter are actuated and the shiftable means isin engagement with said element.

14. The machine defined in claim 12 wherein the reciprocable element ofsaid pin block of said second means includes a leading edge pesition tostrike the gauging members when the latter are actuated and irrespectiveof whether the shiftable means is in or out of operative engagement withsaid element.

15. The machine defined in claim 14 wherein driving means are providedfor moving the reciprocable element of said pin block of said secondmeans toward said gauging members, said driving means includingstructure positioned to be drivingly engaged to said element when theshiftable means of said pin block of said second means is out ofoperative engagement with its respective reciprocable element, and saidstructure being drivingly engaged to said shiftable means when thelatter is in operative engagement with its respective element.

16. The machine as defined in claim 15 wherein said driving means andsaid shiftable means of said pin block of said second means are disposedadjacent the rear or trailing edge of the corresponding reciprocableelement.

17. The machine defined in claim 12 wherein all of said shiftable meansare normally disposed out of operative engagement with their respectivereciprocable elements, and further wherein means are provided forselectively actuating all of said shiftable means into engagement withtheir respective reciprocable elements in response to predeterminedsignals.

No references cited.

